The 457 Changes Don’t Only Affect 457 Visas

When ever I see 457 news I take it with a grain of salt. But it is the political hot potato and labor despite recording higher 457 grant numbers than the current government continue to berate the 457 and use it for political gain (or fear tactics).

So here is a breakdown.

Firstly the 457 has not been abolished. Yet. Anyone holding a 457 will continue to hold their 457. And you can still lodge a 457 under the new guidelines until the new visa is implimented (Estimated to be completed by March 2018).

These changes affect a range of temporary and permanent visas, including:

216 occupations removed from the list of eligible occupations (see Below); and

Caveats added to 59 other occupations

What is changing for 1 July 2017?

Further changes to the subclass 457 programme are planned for 1 July 2017. These include:

possible further adjustments to eligible occupation lists;

an expansion of client cohorts for whom mandatory skills assessments are required;

minor changes to the training benchmarks for subclass 457 sponsors; and

subclass 457 programme no longer excluded from standard policy around penal checks –with police certificates required to be provided from countries a visa applicant has lived in as per current policy for other visa subclasses.

So the 457 is not dead – not yet, But it certainly on the way out – to be replaced by another visa to fill shortfalls for Australian business.

If you are or are concerned you may be affected by these changes contact Active Migration Australia to discuss possible options for your future in Australia.